Mango is the second largest fruit grown in Pakistan and Punjab is the main producer of mangoes. During the year 2004-05, production from Punjab accounted for 78% of the total mango production. Districts of Multan and Rahimyar Khan are the two main production areas.Fresh Mango is the second largest fruit exported from Pakistan. The percentage of mango production exported from 1996 to 2004 shows a continuous increase. In the year only 2% of Pakistani mango production was exported that rose to 7.8% in 2004.

Mango Exports as Percent of its Production
1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
2.0%	2.7%	4.4%	4.1%	5.2%	5.3%	4.6%	5.8%	7.8%

Pakistani mango is exported to large number of countries in the world. During the year 2004-05, there were 67 countries that bought mangoes from Pakistan. However, major markets are concentrated in Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Dubai, UAE and Oman together bought 68.5% of the total mangoes exported from Pakistan.

Other important buyers were from Europe. UK, France and Germany were the three leading importing countries.
The current market mix of mango exports from Pakistan has insignificant shares of the markets in European and American continents. Due to increased concerns on sanitary requirements in developed countries our mango export is facing quarantine requirement particularly from USA and similarly some European destinations could not be exported with mangoes due to short shelf life of the fruit. This is especially relevant in view of the fact that USA is the largest import market of mangoes. During the year 2005, USA alone accounted for 37% of the total global imports of over 530,000 tons of mangoes. Getting even 5% share of this market can provide a big boost to exports of any country producing mangoes.
After increased phytosanitory issues and quarantine requirements by developed countries, all developing countries which are producing mangoes were wondering for the technology that can help them meeting quarantine requirements as well as add to the existing shelf life of the fruit. To meet international quarantine requirements food irradiation provided a breakthrough and has gained significant popularity all over the world in the last few years. Food irradiation is the process of exposing food to high levels of ionizing radiation. Food irradiation is internationally endorsed by World Health Organization, Food and agricultural Organization, American Dietetic Association, International Atomic Energy Agency, Food and Drug Administration, Codex Alimentarious Commission and others. International bilateral agreements are also being carried out now for the export of the safe food among countries. USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) is undergoing agreements with different countries for the exchange of irradiated food products. Thailand is the first country in Asia to reach an agreement with USDA for export of their mangoes in February 2006. India under such agreement is exporting irradiated mangoes to USA in 2008.Phillipine is also in the mango marathon for USA.Pakistan have signed an agreement with USDA in 2007 and Irradiation is approved as a phytosanitory measure for export of mangoes between USDA and MINFAL.Now therefore after operation of first food irradiation facility with the name of PARAS FOODS (Pvt) Ltd at Lahore. This first food irradiation company has provided country with an opportunity to boost its mango exports by meeting quality requirements for the developed countries like USA and secondly to explore far off destinations where mangoes can not be exported due to short shelf life or sea shipments were already not possible. Similarly with the availability of irradiation facility in the country mango irradiation may also be recognized by some importing countries as a potential phytosanitory treatment with Vapour heat and hot water treatments.

Irradiation Benefits for Mangoes
As per the Codex Alimentarius, Section 7, Volume 1A-1999, irradiation of fresh mangoes is carried out for three reasons:
• To control insect infestation
• To improve keeping quality by delaying ripening for shelf life.
• To reduce microbial load by combining irradiation and heat treatment
Pakistani mangoes may be found with pest known as fruit Fly. Irradiation can successfully address the issue and fulfils the quarantine requirements of developed countries. Similarly as per USDA Agriculture Research Service, November 2004 Irradiation quarantine treatment of a minimum absorbed dose of 250 Gy , has been found to disinfest mangoes of any fruit flies however according to Framework Equivalency Plan signed between USDA-USA and MINFAL-Pakistan a generic dose of 400 grys is agreed to treat for all insects pests excluding adults of the order Lepidoptera.

Mango Irradiation treatment for USA at the Facility:
Mango consignments delivered through a registered process will be brought to the irradiation facility for the irradiation treatment. Mangoes will be provided with pre-clearance after inspection by the officials of department of plant protection and USDA officials if available at the facility.
Pre-clearance will be made after random sample check for any spoilage and non-target pests. Irradiation treatment will then be made for the target pest and a phytosanitory certificate will be issued afterward by the local DPP and PPQ-Form 203 by APHIS officials. These certificates will accompany the mango consignment for USA.
Pakistani Mangoes is well recognized due to its unique taste in the international market. So it is believed that if our mango is provided with availability in any developed country market like US market. It can attract consumers other than that of Pakistani origin. This can further help paving the way for handsome exports of mangoes between Pakistan and developed countries and mango irradiation treatment will positively contribute to the economy of the country.